Line retrieval apparatus and methods

ABSTRACT

An exemplary line retrieval apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may comprise: a motor comprising an output shaft; a hand crank; a spool; and a driveshaft. The apparatus may further comprise a selector operable to shift the apparatus between, at least: a manual mode, in which the driveshaft is engaged with the spool and the hand crank such that rotation of the hand crank causes rotation of the spool; and a motor mode, in which the driveshaft is engaged with the spool and the output shaft of the motor such that rotation of the output shaft causes rotation of the spool. Related apparatus and methods are also disclosed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to apparatus and methods for retrieving a line, such as a fishing line.

BACKGROUND

Downriggers are commonly used when fishing in larger bodies of water to maintain a lure at a depth where a targeted fish species normally feeds. Various types of manual and electric downriggers are known. Manual downriggers typically utilize a hand crank to retrieve the line by rotating a spool, whereas electric downriggers typically replace the hand crank with an electric motor that rotates the spool.

Both types have disadvantages. For example, manual downriggers may require more effort to operate, but can allow the user to better “feel” the line through the hand crank. Electric downriggers, by comparison, may be operated by pushing a button, albeit with a reduced amount of feel.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to exemplary line retrieval apparatus and methods. Numerous exemplary aspects are now described.

One aspect of this disclosure is a method of operating a line retrieval apparatus. An exemplary method may comprise operating a selector to shift the apparatus between, at least: a manual mode, in which a driveshaft is engaged with a spool and a hand crank such that rotation of the hand crank causes rotation of the spool; and a motor mode, in which the driveshaft is engaged with the spool and an output shaft of a motor such that rotation of the output shaft causes rotation of the spool.

Another aspect is a line retrieval apparatus. An exemplary apparatus may comprise: a motor comprising an output shaft; a hand crank; and a means for winding a line. The apparatus may further comprise a means for shifting the apparatus between, at least: a manual mode, in which the means for winding is engaged with the hand crank such that rotation of the hand crank causes the means for winding to wind the line; and a motor mode, in which the means for winding is engaged with the output shaft of the motor such that rotation of the output shaft causes the means for winding to wind the line.

Yet another aspect is a line retrieval apparatus. An exemplary apparatus may comprise: a motor comprising an output shaft; a hand crank; a spool; and a driveshaft. The apparatus may further comprise a selector operable to shift the apparatus between, at least: a manual mode, in which the driveshaft is engaged with the spool and the hand crank such that rotation of the hand crank causes rotation of the spool; and a motor mode, in which the driveshaft is engaged with the spool and the output shaft of the motor such that rotation of the output shaft causes rotation of the spool.

It may be understood that both the foregoing summary and the following descriptions are exemplary and explanatory only, neither being restrictive of the inventions claimed below. Other aspects will become apparent to those of ordinary skilled in the art upon review of the following drawings and descriptions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. These drawings illustrate aspects of the present disclosure that, together with the written descriptions, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary line retrieval apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts another perspective view of the FIG. 1 apparatus.

FIG. 3A depicts an exemplary outer driveshaft for the FIG. 1 apparatus.

FIG. 3B depicts an exemplary inner driveshaft for the FIG. 1 apparatus.

FIG. 3C depicts an exemplary central opening for the FIG. 1 apparatus.

FIG. 4A depicts an exemplary manual mode for the FIG. 1 apparatus.

FIG. 4B depicts another exemplary manual mode for the FIG. 1 apparatus.

FIG. 4C depicts an exemplary neutral mode for the FIG. 1 apparatus.

FIG. 4D depicts an exemplary motor mode for the FIG. 1 apparatus.

FIG. 5A depicts an exploded view of an exemplary selector for the FIG. 1 apparatus.

FIG. 5B depicts an assembled view of the FIG. 5A selector.

FIG. 6 depicts a cross-section of an exemplary hand crank for the FIG. 1 apparatus.

FIG. 7A depicts a cross-section of an exemplary controller for the FIG. 1 apparatus.

FIG. 7B depicts a cross-section of an exemplary sensor for the FIG. 1 apparatus.

FIG. 7C depicts a cross-section of another exemplary sensor for the FIG. 1 apparatus.

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary gear configuration for the FIG. 1 apparatus.

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary outer driveshaft for another exemplary line retrieval apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 10A depicts an exemplary manual mode for the FIG. 9 apparatus.

FIG. 10B depicts an exemplary motor mode for the FIG. 9 apparatus.

FIG. 10C depicts an exemplary neutral mode for the FIG. 9 apparatus.

FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary gear configuration for the FIG. 9 apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure are now described with reference to exemplary line retrieval apparatus and methods. Some aspects are described with reference to a fishing line, wherein the described apparatus and methods may be used to retrieve a length of the fishing line by rotating a spool with either a hand crank or an electric motor to wind the line around the spool. In some aspects, a selector may be used to switch between manual gear(s) for the hand crank and motor gear(s) for the electric motor. The selector also may operate a brake. Any reference to a particular line, such as fishing line; a particular rotational means, such as the hand crank and/or electric motor; a particular gear configuration, such as manual or motor gear(s); or a particular shifting and/or braking means, such as the selector, is provided for convenience and not intended to limit the present disclosure. Accordingly, the concepts disclosed herein may be utilized for any analogous apparatus or method—geared or gearless, fishing-related or otherwise.

Various directional terms are used herein to describe relative components and features of the present disclosure. One or more axes may be depicted in each figure, and the directional terms may be relative to these axes. For example, some elements may extend along an axis of rotation X-X, be moved along said axis X-X in first or second direction, and/or be rotated about said axis X-X in a first or second direction. Each directional term and axis is provided for convenience, and not intended to limit the present disclosure to a particular direction or orientation.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or like variation, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an apparatus or method that comprises a list of elements does not necessarily include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent thereto. Unless stated otherwise, the term “exemplary” is used in the sense of “example” rather than “ideal.”

Aspects of the present disclosure are now described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, which depict an exemplary line retrieval apparatus 10. As shown, exemplary line retrieval apparatus 10 may comprise: a housing 20; a spool 30; a brake 40; a driveline 50; a selector 60; a hand crank 70; a motor 80; and a controller 90.

Aspects of driveline 50 may be configured to rotate spool 30 with either hand crank 70 or motor 80. Brake 40 may be configured to slow or stop the rotation of spool 30. Driveline 50 may be operable with one of hand crank 70 or motor 80 to rotate spool 30. For example, driveline 50 may include manual gear(s) operable with hand crank 70 at a manual ratio, and/or motor gear(s) operable with motor 80 at a motor ratio. Various means for shifting between the respective manual and motor gear(s) are described herein. Depending upon which gear(s) are shifted in, the rotation of spool 30 may be relative to one of: (i) a rotational speed of crank 70; or (ii) a rotational speed of motor 80.

The described aspects may provide operational flexibility. For example, a user may adjust the rotation of spool 30 according to the manual ratio by causing crank 70 to turn faster or slower; and likewise adjust the rotation of spool 30 according to the motor ratio by causing motor 80 to turn faster or slower. Controller 90 may be configured to operate motor 80. Additional aspects of line retrieval apparatus 10 are now described in greater detail, followed by a detailed description of associated methods, including methods of operating apparatus 10.

Housing 20 may be configured to hold a fishing rod, provide a mounting platform for other elements of line retrieval apparatus 10, and fix a position of apparatus 10 relative to the boat hull or like platform. Housing 20 may be composed of any known material, including metallic and/or polymeric materials, any of which may be corrosion resistant, like aluminum. Numerous plates and/or covers may be assembled to form housing 20. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, housing 20 may comprise a rod holder 21, a first housing portion 24A, a second housing portion 24B, and a base 25. Various portions of housing 20, such as holder 21, housing portion 24A, and housing portion 24B, may be milled from an aluminum alloy or molded from a thermosetting polymer, and bolted, welded, or otherwise fused together to form housing 20.

As shown in FIG. 2, rod holder 21 may comprise a cylinder 22 sized to receive a fishing rod, a first strut 23A engageable with first housing portion 24A, and a second strut 23B engageable with second housing portion 24B. For example, struts 23A and 23B may include holes, and a bolt may be inserted through each hole for engagement with housing portions 24A and 24B. As shown, base 25 may comprise a first support 26A engageable with first housing portion 24A, a second support 26B engageable with second housing portion 24B, a mount 27, and a mounting plate 28. Supports 26A and 26B of FIGS. 1 and 2 may include holes, and a bolt (or similar attachment element) may be inserted through each hole for engagement with housing portions 24A and 24B.

Mounting plate 28 may be removably attached to the boat hull or like platform. For example, plate 28 of FIG. 2 may include holes (e.g., at each corner), and a bolt may be inserted through each hole for engagement with the boat hull or like platform. Mount 27 may be rotationally engaged with mounting plate 28, allowing the remainder of line retrieval apparatus 10 (i.e., other than mounting plate 28) to rotate relative to mounting plate 28 and thus relative to the boat hull or other platform. As shown in FIG. 2, mount 27 may include a circular rim, and mounting plate 28 may include a circular opening configured to receive the circular rim, providing for 360 degree rotation of mount 27 and the remainder of apparatus 10 relative to plate 28.

As also shown in FIG. 2, a bottom plate 29 may be engaged with the circular rim of mount 27 to secure mount 27 to plate 28. Bottom plate 29 may include a plurality of perimeter notches. Each perimeter notch may be engageable with a pin 29P extending through plate 28, allowing mount 27 to be rotated relative to plate 28 between a number of fixed positions. For example, pin 29P may be biased toward the perimeter notches by a spring, and one end of pin 29P may include a pull ring operable to move pin 29P away from the notches.

Housing 20 may include any number of exterior and/or interior walls configured to support elements of brake 40 and driveline 50. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, one face of housing 20 may include a plate 20A, driveline 50 may include an outer driveshaft 51, and plate 20A may include a hole 20H extending therethrough along axis of rotation X-X to receive outer driveshaft 51. Hole 20H may be configured to rotationally support one end of outer driveshaft 51. The other end of driveshaft 51 may be similarly supported in another hole extending through another portion of housing 20 along axis X-X. As described herein, outer driveshaft 51 may be rotatable within hole 20H, and longitudinally constrained by hole 20H and/or another portion of housing 20, providing a stable rotational mount for other elements of apparatus 10.

Spool 30 may be rotationally mounted inside of housing 20 on outer driveshaft 51. As shown in FIG. 1, spool 30 may comprise a first flange 32A, a second flange 32B, and a spool hub 34 extending therebetween. Spool hub 34 may be rotationally mounted on outer driveshaft 51, allowing spool 30 to rotate independently of driveshaft 51 and housing 20. For example, spool hub 34 may be rotationally mounted by one or more bearings. A rotational force (“RF”) may be applied to a portion of spool 30 by driveline 50 to rotate spool 30 about axis of rotation X-X. Depending upon which gears are switched in, the RF may be applied by driveline 50 to either second flange 32B or spool hub 34. For example, a first operating gear 61 may be attached to second flange 32B and comprise a center opening 610 that is engaged with driveline 50 when the manual gear(s) are switched in (e.g., FIG. 4A); and an interior portion 35 of spool hub 34 may include a center opening 35O that is engaged with driveline 50 when the motor gear(s) are switched in (e.g., FIG. 4D).

Brake 40 may be configured to slow and/or stop the rotation of spool 30 about axis X-X by application of a counter-rotational force (or “CRF”) to a portion of spool 30. As shown in FIG. 1, brake 40 may comprise a drum 41 and a braking element 46. Drum 41 may be mounted to first flange 32A and rotatable together with spool 30 upon application of the RF thereto. Braking element 46 may apply the CRF to drum 41. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, an exterior surface of drum 41 may include a plurality of teeth 42, and an interior surface of drum 41 may include a reaction surface 43. In this example, braking element 46 may comprise an arm 47, an activation ledge 48, and a brake pad body 49. Arm 47 may be mounted on an interior wall of housing 20 so that the location of braking element 46 is fixed relative to housing 20 and independent of the rotation of driveshaft 51, spool 30, and drum 41. As shown in FIG. 1, drum 41 may include a recess, and arm 47 may be configured to locate brake pad body 49 in the recess so that an exterior surface of brake pad body 49 remains adjacent reaction surface 43 on the interior surface of drum 41 when it rotates relative to element 46.

Brake 40 may be activated by applying a braking force to activation ledge 48, causing brake pad body 49 to expand radially outwardly from axis of rotation X-X until the exterior surface of body 49 engages reaction surface 43, causing friction that slows and/or stops the rotation of drum 41 and spool 30 attached thereto. Selector 60 may be configured to apply the braking force, as described below. Brake 40 may be de-activated by removing the braking force. For example, brake pad body 49 may comprise a resilient material and/or shape causing the exterior surface of brake pad body 49 to move away from reaction surface 43 of drum 41 when the braking force is removed from activation ledge 48.

Aspects of brake 40 may affect the rotation of spool 30 and/or operation of apparatus 10 in other ways. For example, portions of plurality of teeth 42 may be engageable with other mechanisms mounted in housing 20 to stabilize the rotation of spool 30. As shown in FIG. 7C, a first portion 42A of teeth 42 may be engageable with a spooling gear 42A₁ that is rotationally mounted in housing 20 to stabilize spool 30 and/or drive a spooling mechanism; and a second portion 42B of teeth 42 may be engageable with a ratchet 42B₁ that is pivotally mounted in housing 20 to stabilize spool 30 and/or limit or prevent rotation of spool 30 in a first or second direction about axis X-X. Gear 42A₁ and ratchet 42B₁ are shown conceptually in FIG. 7C, and may include any known gearing and/or stabilization technologies.

Driveline 50 may be selectively operable with hand crank 70 and motor 80 to rotate spool 30 according to different ratios, allowing for different ratios of rotational speed between: (i) spool 30 and crank 70; and (ii) spool 30 and motor 80. As described herein, driveline 50 may comprise: outer driveshaft 51; an inner driveshaft 56; selector 60; first operating gear 61; a second operating gear 62; and a third operating gear 63. Exemplary aspects are now described.

Different ratios may be realized with each operating gear 61, 62, and 63. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4A-D, each of first, second, and third operating gears 61, 62, and 63 may have a respective center opening 61O, 62O, or 63O; and the different ratios may be realized by selectively engaging inner driveshaft 56 with each center opening 61O, 62O, and 63O. In this example, first and second gears 61 and 62 may be manual gears operable with hand crank 70 at different manual ratios, third gear 63 may be a motor gear operable with motor 80 at a motor ratio, and selector 60 may be operable to shift between the respective manual and motor gears.

Center opening 35O of spool hub 34 (e.g., as in FIGS. 4A-D) and center openings 61O, 62O, and 63O of gears 61, 62, and 63 may have a similar shape. A perspective view of an exemplary X shape is depicted in FIG. 2 with reference to opening 63O; and a generic plan view of the exemplary X shape is depicted in FIG. 3C. As shown in FIG. 3C, the X shape may comprise a central diameter D sized to receive outer driveshaft 56 along axis X-X, a first pair of extensions E1 extending outwardly from central diameter D in a first direction, and a second pair of extensions E2 extending outwardly from central diameter D in a second direction that is generally perpendicular with the first direction. Interior surfaces of central diameter D may be rotatable against outer surfaces of outer driveshaft 51; and interior surfaces of each extension E1 and E2 may be engageable with a portion of inner driveshaft 56.

An exemplary outer driveshaft 51 is depicted in FIG. 3A. As shown, outer driveshaft 51 may include annular grooves 52, a first longitudinal groove 53A, a second longitudinal groove 53B, a longitudinal bore 54, a hole 55, and/or annular grooves 55G. Annular grooves 52 may be used to fix the position of driveshaft 51 along axis of rotation X-X. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, at least one annular groove 52 may be located opposite a corresponding annular groove 20G in hole 20H of plate 20A to fix the position of outer driveshaft 51 along axis of rotation X-X relative to housing 20. For example, spherical ball bearings may be inserted between said grooves to permit rotation of driveshaft 51 about axis X-X, and prevent movement of driveshaft 51 along axis X-X. First longitudinal groove 53A may be positioned in spool 30, within interior portion 35 of spool hub 34; and second longitudinal groove 53B may be positioned adjacent spool 30, outside interior portion 35 of hub 34. Longitudinal bore 54 may extend through outer driveshaft 56 along axis of rotation X-X. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 6, hole 55 may receive a force transfer element 55P (e.g., a pin) engageable with hand crank 70, and annular grooves 55G may be engageable with a pin 76P of crank 70.

An exemplary inner driveshaft 56 is depicted in FIG. 3B. The exterior diameter of driveshaft 56 may be sized approximate to an interior diameter of longitudinal bore 54. Inner driveshaft 56 may be moved inside of longitudinal bore 54 along axis of rotation X-X with selector 60 to shift apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 3B, driveshaft 56 may include a hole 57, a longitudinal groove 58, and a force transfer element 59. As shown in FIGS. 4A-D, the ends of force transfer element 59 may extend out of longitudinal groove 58 and beyond second longitudinal groove 53B of outer driveshaft 51 for selective engagement with the X shape of center opening 61O of first gear 61 (e.g., FIG. 4A), the X shape of center opening 62O of second gear 62 (e.g., FIG. 4B), and the X shape of center opening 63O of third gear 63 (e.g., FIG. 4D). Hole 57 may be configured to receive a force transfer element 57P (e.g., a pin) through the first longitudinal groove 53A of outer driveshaft 51. As shown in FIG. 4D, the ends of force transfer element 57P may similarly extend beyond first longitudinal groove 53A of outer driveshaft 51 for selective engagement with the X shape of center opening 35O of spool hub 34 (e.g., FIG. 4D).

Aspects of force transfer element 59 (e.g., the ends) may be movable. As shown in FIG. 3B, for example, force transfer element 59 may comprise a pair of teeth 59T that are movable between a retracted position, wherein the teeth 59T are contained within longitudinal groove 58 and/or second longitudinal groove 53B (e.g., during assembly of apparatus 10); and an extended position, wherein the teeth 59T are extended out of groove 58 and beyond groove 53B to engage one of center openings 61O, 62O, or 63O (e.g., during operation of apparatus 10, as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4D). Force transfer element 59 may comprise a resilient element (e.g., one or more springs) configured to bias the teeth 59T toward the extended position. In some aspects, the resilient element may help to absorb kickback forces applied to the teeth 59T when entering and/or exiting openings 61O, 62O, and 63O during operation of apparatus 10, allowing for smoother shifting. As shown in FIG. 3B, each one of teeth 59T may have a curved exterior perimeter and shape that likewise helps to minimize the kickback forces.

Selector 60 may be operable to move the inner driveshaft 56 along the axis of rotation X-X. As shown in FIGS. 1, 5A, and 5B, selector 60 may comprise a pivot mount 65, a handle 67, and a force transfer element 68. In FIG. 5A, pivot mount 65 includes a pair of arms 65A, a position guide 65B, a first bore 65C, and a second bore 65D. In FIG.

5B, pivot mount 65 is pivotally mounted to a pin 65P extending through the first bore 65C and housing 20 along a rotational axis R-R, allowing mount 65 to be rotated about axis R-R in a first direction D₁ relative to housing 20. A coupler 56A may be rotationally engaged with inner driveshaft 56, and pivotally mounted to a pin 56P extending through pair of arms 65A, allowing driveshaft 56 to rotate about axis of rotation X-X independent of pivot mount 65. Accordingly, handle 67 may be moved in first direction D₁ to cause movement of inner driveshaft 56 along axis X-X without substantially affecting the rotation of driveshaft 56 about axis X-X.

Selector 60 also may be operable to activate brake 40. As also shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, for example, handle 67 may further comprise a pair of arms 67A and a pair of arms 67B. Arms 67A may be pivotally mounted to a pin 67P extending through arms 67A and second bore 65D, allowing handle 67 to be rotated in a second direction D₂ relative to pivot mount 65. Second direction D₂ may be different from first direction D₁. For example, second direction D₂ may be generally perpendicular and/or transverse with first direction D₁. Force transfer element 68 of FIG. 1 may be pivotally mounted to handle 67 by a pin 68P extending through force transfer element 68 and arms 67B, allowing force transfer element 68 to be moved in second direction D₂ together with handle 67. Force transfer element 68 may contact activation ledge 48 and may apply the braking force to activation ledge 48 when handle 67 is moved in second direction D₂, slowing and/or stopping the rotation of drum 41 and spool 30 mounted thereto. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, force transfer element 68 may be rotated into a placement opening 20PO extending through plate 20A.

Hand crank 70 may be configured to apply the RF. An exemplary crank 70 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, wherein crank 70 includes a handle 72, a handle arm 73, and a base mount 74. Handle 72 may be rotationally mounted to one end of handle arm 73. The other end of arm 73 may include base mount 74. As shown in FIG. 6, mount 74 may be engaged with outer driveshaft 51, and rotationally mounted to a portion of housing 20. The RF may be generated by a force that is applied to handle 72 (e.g., by a user), and transferred to outer driveshaft 51 with base mount 74. As shown, base mount 74 may include a bore 75 configured to receive an end of outer driveshaft 51. A center opening 75O of bore 75 may be configured to receive a cross-sectional shape of outer driveshaft 51 and force transfer element 55P so that element 55P may be used to transfer the RF to driveshaft 51. For example, center opening 75O, similar center openings 35O, 61O, 62O, and 63O, may likewise comprise the X shape depicted in FIG. 3C.

Motor 80 also may be configured to apply the RF. An exemplary motor 80 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as an electric motor (e.g., such as a 250 W 12V D.C. motor), although any type of motor may be used. As shown, motor 80 may include a mounting plate 81, an output shaft 82, and a drive gear 83. Plate 81 may be mounted (e.g., bolted) to housing 20. Output shaft 82 of FIG. 2 extends along and is rotatable about a motor axis M-M. One end of output shaft 82 may be engaged with motor 80 (e.g., with a rotor), and the other end of output shaft 82 may be attached to drive gear 83. As shown in FIG. 1, a power cable 80P may extend between motor 80 and a power source, such as an electrical grid, a renewable energy source (e.g., a solar panel), a battery, or a combination thereof.

Controller 90 may be configured to operate motor 80. In FIG. 1, for example, controller 90 is mounted to housing 20, and includes an input apparatus 93 having buttons and/or a touchscreen configured to receive one or more inputs (e.g., from a user), such as a speed control input. As shown in FIG. 7A, controller 90 may further comprise: a processing unit 91, a computer memory 92, a power source 94, an alert generator 95, and a transceiver 96. Computer memory 92 may be configured to store one or more programs; and receive data from input apparatus 93 and/or transceiver 96. Processing unit 91 may include one or more processors configured to operate motor 80 according to the one or more programs. Power source 94 may be configured to deliver electricity to each element of controller 90, and may include a battery and/or wired connection to power cable 80P. Alert generator 95 may include any audio and/or visual effect generator configured to communicate audio and/or visual signals to a user. Transceiver 96 may include any wired or wireless technology configured to receive and/or transmit data. As shown in FIG. 7A, for example, transceiver 96 may connect processing unit 91 to one or more sensors, any of which may be local and/or remote to controller 90, and configured to determine at least one operating characteristic of apparatus 10.

The one or more sensors may include a load sensor 97 configured to determine operating characteristics based on line load. An exemplary load sensor 97 is shown in FIG. 7B with respect to an exemplary fishing line 1. As shown, load sensor 97 may be mounted to housing 20; and include a potentiometer 97A and line supports 97B.

Fishing line 1 may be routed through the supports 97B, which may include one or more spools rotationally mounted in housing 20. As shown in FIG. 7B, an axial force F_(A) may be applied to fishing line 1 during operation of line retrieval apparatus 10, causing line 1 to exert a normal force F_(N) on supports 97B, at least one of which may be configured to direct the normal force F_(N) towards potentiometer 97A. As shown, potentiometer 97A may include a wired or wireless connection to transceiver 96, and be configured to output data including a measure of the normal force F_(N) to processing unit 91 therewith. Processing unit 91 may be configured to determine the axial force F_(A) based on the data.

The one or more sensors also may include a length sensor 98 configured to determine operating characteristics based on line length. An exemplary line length sensor 98 is shown in 7C. As shown, sensor 98 may include a counter 98A and a plurality of indicators 98B. Counter 98A may be mounted on housing 20. Each indicator 98B may be mounted on drum 41, and rotatable therewith about axis X-X. As shown in FIG. 7C, drum 41 may be mounted to first flange 32A of spool 30 with bolts, and each indicator 98B may be mounted to one of said bolts. Counter 98A may be mounted to housing 20 in the rotational path of indicators 98B, and configured to count each pass of indicators 98B. For example, spool 30 may include a first metal, each indicator 98B (e.g., the bolts) may include a second metal, and counter 98A may be configured to establish a count each time the second metal passes thereby. As shown, counter 98A may include a wired or wireless connection to transceiver 96, and be configured to output data including the count to processing unit 91 therewith. Similar to above, processing unit 91 may be configured to determine the line length based on the data.

Associated methods are now disclosed, including methods of operating line retrieval apparatus 10. One exemplary method comprises shifting apparatus 10 between: a manual mode, wherein inner driveshaft 56 is engaged with spool 30 and hand crank 70; a neutral mode, wherein driveshaft 56 is disengaged from spool 30, hand crank 70, and motor 80; and a motor mode, wherein driveshaft 56 is engaged with spool 30 and motor 80. Additional aspects of each mode are now described.

As shown in FIGS. 4A-D, for example, line retrieval apparatus 10 may be shifted between: (i) a first manual mode (e.g., FIG. 4A); (ii) a second manual mode (e.g., FIG. 4B); (iii) a neutral mode (e.g., FIG. 4C); and (iv) a motor mode (e.g., FIG. 4D). Selector 60 may be operable to shift apparatus 10 between each of these modes. As shown in FIG. 5B, for example, the position guide 65B of selector 60 may include a stop for each mode, and selector 60 may be moved in first direction D₁ until a nub 20N of housing 20 is engaged with one of the stops to identify and maintain the corresponding mode. In each mode, selector 60 also may be moved in second direction D₂ of FIGS. 1 and 5B to activate brake 40, allowing for single handed operation of apparatus 10.

In the first manual mode, driveline 50 may be operable with hand crank 70 to rotate spool 30 according to a first manual ratio between spool 30 and crank 70 by engaging force transfer element 59 with first operational gear 61. As noted above, first gear 61 may be mounted (e.g., bolted) to second flange 32B of spool 30, and rotatable therewith. As shown in FIG. 4A, second longitudinal groove 53B of outer driveshaft 51 may extend along axis X-X through center opening 61O of first operating gear 61. Inner driveshaft 56 may be moved along axis X-X by operation of selector 60 to advance force transfer element 59 within the second longitudinal groove 53B until the ends of teeth 59T enter center opening 61O, and are located extensions E1 or E2 of the X shape (e.g., FIG. 3C) of opening 61O. Accordingly, the RF may be generated by hand crank 70, and then transferred: (i) to outer driveshaft 51 with mount 74; (ii) to force transfer element 59 with driveshaft 51; (iii) to first operating gear 61 with force transfer element 59; and, ultimately (iv) to spool 30 with first gear 61 mounted thereto. Because first gear 61 is mounted to spool 30, the first manual ratio may be approximately 1:1, so that one turn of crank 70 equals one turn of spool 30 in the first manual mode.

As also shown in FIG. 4A, first longitudinal groove 53A of outer driveshaft 51 may be located within interior portion 35 of hub 34. As shown, the ends of force transfer element 57P may extend beyond longitudinal groove 53A for free rotation at a first position within interior portion 35 of hub 34 when apparatus 10 is in the first manual mode, meaning that force transfer element 57P will not substantially affect the rotation of spool 30 in the first manual mode.

In the second manual mode, driveline 50 may be operable with hand crank 70 to rotate spool 30 according to a second manual ratio between spool 30 and crank 70 by engaging the force transfer element 59 with second operational gear 62. As shown in FIG. 4B, second operating gear 62 may be rotationally mounted on outer driveshaft 56 adjacent first operating gear 61; and second longitudinal groove 53B of outer driveshaft 51 may extend along axis X-X through center opening 62O of gear 62. Inner driveshaft 51 may be moved further along axis X-X by operation of selector 60 to advance force transfer element 59 within second longitudinal groove 53B until the ends of teeth 59T exit center opening 61O, enter center opening 62O, and are located in extensions E1 or E2 of the X shape (e.g., FIG. 3C) of opening 62O. Accordingly, the RF may be generated by hand crank 70, and then transferred: (i) to outer driveshaft 51 with mount 74; (ii) to force transfer element 59 with driveshaft 51; (iii) to second operating gear 62 with force transfer element 59; (iv) to a transfer gear assembly 66 with second gear 62; (v) to first operating gear 61 with transfer assembly 66; and, ultimately (vi) to spool 30 with first gear 61 mounted thereto.

Because of transfer gear assembly 66, the second manual ratio may be different than the first manual ratio (i.e., different than approximately 1:1). As shown in FIG. 2, transfer gear assembly 66 may include a plurality of gears that are rotationally mounted in housing 20, and operable to realize the second manual ratio between hand crank 70 and spool 30. An exemplary transfer gear assembly 66 is shown in FIG. 8 as including a first transfer gear 66A and a second transfer gear 66B. For example: first transfer gear 66A may be engaged with first operating gear 61 and second transfer gear 66B may be engaged with second operating gear 62. Gears 66A and 66B may be rotationally mounted in housing 20 in a stacked configuration, in which gears 66A and 66B rotate together, allowing the RF to be transferred to gear 61 from gear 62 with gears 66A and 66B. For example, first operating gear 61 may include 36 teeth, first transfer gear 66A may include 54 teeth, second transfer gear 66B may include 30 teeth, and second operating gear 62 may include 60 teeth, making the second manual ratio (or second manual gear ratio) approximately 1:3 (e.g., calculated as the product of 30/60 multiplied by 36/54), so that one turn of crank 70 causes approximately three turns of spool 30 in the second manual mode.

As also shown in FIG. 4B, the ends of force transfer element 57P may extend beyond the first longitudinal groove 53A of outer driveshaft 51 for free rotation at a second position within the interior portion 35 of hub 34 when apparatus 10 is in the second manual mode, meaning that force transfer element 57P will not substantially affect the rotation of spool 30 in the second manual mode.

In the neutral mode, driveline 50 may be disengaged from both hand crank 70 and motor 80, allowing spool 30 to rotate freely about axis of rotation X-X and/or interact with other elements mounted in housing 20, such as ratchet 42B₁ (e.g., FIG. 7C). As shown in FIG. 4C, second longitudinal groove 53B of outer driveshaft 56 may extend along axis X-X through center opening 63O of third operating gear 63; and second operating gear 62 may be spaced apart from first gear 63 to define a neutral space N between gears 62 and 63. Inner driveshaft 51 may be moved further along axis X-X by operation of selector 60 to advance force transfer element 59 within second longitudinal groove 53B until the ends of teeth 59T exit center opening 62O and enter the neutral space N. The ends of teeth 59T may spin freely of operating gears 61, 62, and 63 in neutral space N, thereby disengaging spool 30 from hand crank 70 and motor 80 in the neutral mode.

As also shown in FIG. 4C, the ends of force transfer element 57P may extend beyond the first longitudinal groove 53A of outer driveshaft 51 for free rotation at a third position within the interior portion 35 of hub 34 when apparatus 10 is in the neutral mode, meaning that force transfer element 57P will not substantially affect the rotation of spool 30 in the neutral mode.

In the motor mode, driveline 50 may be operable with motor 80 to rotate spool 30 according to a motor ratio between spool 30 and output shaft 82 of motor 80 by engaging: (i) force transfer element 59 with third operational gear 63; and (ii) force transfer element 57P with spool hub 34. As shown in FIG. 4D, second longitudinal groove 53B may extend along axis X-X through center opening 63O of third operational gear 63. Inner driveshaft 56 may be moved further along axis X-X by operation of selector 60 until the ends of teeth 59T exit neutral space N, enter center opening 63O, and are located in one of extensions E1 or E2 of the X shape (e.g., FIG. 3C) of opening 630. Because spool 30 rotates independently of outer driveshaft 51, an additional connection between spool 30 and third gear 63 may be required to rotate spool 30 with motor 80. As also shown in FIG. 4D, the ends of force transfer element 57P may provide the additional connection by entering center opening 35O of spool 30 when force transfer element 59 enters center opening 63O of third operational gear 63. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 4D and 8, the RF may be generated by motor 80, and then transferred: (i) to drive gear 83 with output shaft 82; (ii) to a transfer gear assembly 84 with drive gear 83; (iii) to third operating gear 63 with transfer assembly 84; (v) to force transfer element 59 with gear 63; (vi) to driveshafts 51 and 56 with force transfer element 59; (vii) to force transfer element 57P with driveshafts 51 and 56; and, ultimately (viii) to spool 30 with force transfer element 57P.

Because of transfer gear assembly 84, the motor ratio may be different than the first and second manual ratios (i.e., different than approximately 1:1 and 1:3). As shown in FIG. 2, transfer gear assembly 84 may include a plurality of gears that are rotationally mounted in housing 20, and operable to transfer the RF from drive gear 83 to third operating gear 63. An exemplary transfer gear assembly 84 is depicted in FIG. 8. As shown, gear assembly 84 may include a first transfer gear 84A, a second transfer gear 84B, a third transfer gear 84C, and a fourth transfer gear 84D. For example: drive gear 83 may be attached to an end of output shaft 82, and engaged with first transfer gear 84A; second transfer gear 84B may be rotatable together with the first transfer gear 84A in a stacked configuration; third transfer gear 84C may be engaged with second transfer gear 84B, and rotatable together with the fourth transfer gear 84D in a stacked configuration; and fourth transfer gear 84D may be engaged with the third operating gear 63. In this example, gear 83 may include 18 teeth, gear 84A may include 36 teeth, gear 84B may include 18 teeth, gear 84C may include 72 teeth, gear 84D may include 27 teeth, and gear 63 may include 72 teeth, making the motor ratio (or motor gear ratio) approximately 21:1 (e.g., calculated as the product of 36/18 multiplied by 72/18 multiplied by 72/27), so that approximately every 21 (or 21.33) turns of output shaft 82 equals one turn of third operating gear 63.

As described above, line retrieval apparatus 10 may be operable to rotate spool 30 according to at least three different ratios; namely: (i) the first manual ratio of the first manual mode (e.g., FIG. 4A); (ii) the second manual ratio of the second manual mode (e.g., FIG. 4B); and (iii) the motor ratio of motor mode (e.g., FIG. 4D). Although described with reference to gears, each ratio also may be described as a different ratio of rotational speed between: (i) crank 70 and spool 30; (ii) and motor 80 and spool 30. For example, apparatus 10 may alternatively comprise a gearless transmission (e.g., a continuously variable transmission or elbow mechanism) operable to rotate spool 30 according to at least three different ratios of rotational speed corresponding to the first manual mode, second manual mode, and motor mode described above.

Hand crank 70 may be removed from the remainder of apparatus 10 when apparatus 10 is operated in the motor mode to prevent handle 72 and/or arm 73 from also rotating, potentially injuring the user. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, base mount 74 may include a hole 76 extending into bore 75, and a pin 76P extending through hole 76 to engage one of the annular grooves 55G on outer driveshaft 51, fixing the position of base mount 74 relative to housing 20 along axis X-X. For example, one end of pin 76P may be biased towards groove 55G by a spring, and the other end of pin 76P may include a pull ring operable to move pin 76P away from the groove 55G.

In the first and second manual modes, a user may adjust the rotation of spool 30 according to the first or second manual ratio by causing hand crank 70 to turn faster or slower. In the motor mode, the user may likewise adjust the rotation of spool 30 according to the motor ratio by causing motor 80 to turn faster or slower. Controller 90 may be configured to operate motor 80. For example, the motor 80 may be operable with the processing unit 91 of controller 90 to vary a performance of motor 80 (such as varying the rotational speed of output shaft 82) in response to a control signal from input device 93 and/or operating characteristic(s) determined by one or more sensors (e.g., sensor 97 and/or 98). Input device 93 may be configured to receive speed control inputs (e.g., from a user), and processing unit 91 may operate motor 80 according to one or more programs configured to modify the rotational speed of output shaft 82 responsive to the speed control inputs. The programs may be stored on memory 92 and/or downloaded from an external source using transceiver 96. For example, memory 92 may be operable with transceiver 96 to receive data from input device 93, sensor 97, and/or sensor 98; and processing unit 91 may be operable with memory 92 to determine the speed control inputs from the data with the one or more programs, and operate motor 80 according to the determined speed control inputs.

As a further example, processing unit 91 may be operable with memory 92 and line load sensor 97 to determine operating characteristics including an amount of tensile load on line 1; and operate motor 80 responsive to the determined load. For example, according to a program in memory 92, input device 93 may be used to identify characteristics of line 1 (e.g., diameter, material type, rated tensile strength, etc.), allowing processing unit 91 to calculate a maximum tensile load and reduce the rotational speed of output shaft 82 if/when the normal load measured by potentiometer 97A approaches the maximum tensile load of line 1. Alert generator 95 may include any audible and/or visual effect generator, such as a speaker and/or light source operable with processing unit 91 to alert the user when the measured load approaches the maximum load.

Similarly, processing unit 91 also may be operable with memory 92 and line length sensor 98 to determine operating characteristics including an extended length of line 1; and operate motor 80 responsive to the determined length. For example, according to a program in memory 92, input device 93 may be used to identify characteristics of line 1 (e.g., spool diameter, winding type, etc.), allowing unit 91 to calculate a maximum length of line 1 and reduce the rotational speed of output shaft 82 if/when the extended length measured by counter 98A approaches the maximum length of line 1. As before, alert generator 95 may include a speaker and/or light source operable with processing unit 91 to alert the user when the measured length approaches the maximum length.

Processing unit 91 may be operable with sensors 97 and 98 and alert generator 95 to guide the rotation of hand crank 70 in a similar manner. For example, processing unit 91 may be similarly operable with sensors 97 and/or 98 to determine operating characteristics including the tensile load on and/or extended length of line 1 based on crank 70, and alert generator 95 to alert the user when the measured values approach their maximum limits.

Because of transceiver 96, controller 90 also may operate motor 80 responsive to data from an external sensor. For example, transceiver 96 may be configured to establish a wired or wireless communication with a depth finder so that processing unit 91 may receive operating characteristics including depth data, and modify the rotational speed of output shaft 82 and/or alert the user accordingly. As a further example, input device 93 may be operable to input or select a target depth, and processing unit 91 may reduce the rotational speed of output shaft 82 and/or alert the user when the line length determined with sensor 98 approaches the target depth. Any type of external sensor may be used in a similar manner.

Additional aspects of the present disclosure are now disclosed with reference to FIGS. 9-11, which depict an exemplary line retrieval apparatus 110. Aspects of apparatus 110 may be similar to and/or interchangeable with counterpart aspects of apparatus 10, but within the 100 series of numbers, whether or not they are shown in FIGS. 9-11. For example, line retrieval apparatus 10 or 110 may combine: (i) any aspect of housing 20, brake 40, selector 60, hand crank 70, motor 80, and/or controller 90 described above with reference to apparatus 10 and FIGS. 1-8; with (ii) any aspects of a spool 130 and a driveline 150 described below with reference to apparatus 110 and FIGS. 9-11.

Driveline 150 may be similarly configured to rotate spool 130 with either hand crank 70 or motor 80; and brake 40 may similarly be configured to slow or stop the rotation of spool 130. For example, driveline 150 may comprise manual gear(s) operable with hand crank 70 at a manual ratio (or a manual gear ratio), and motor gear(s) operable with motor 80 at a motor ratio (or a motor gear ratio). Various means for shifting between the respective manual and motor gear(s) are described. Depending upon which gear(s) are shifted in, the rotation of spool 130 may likewise be relative to a rotational speed of crank 70 or a rotational speed of motor 80.

Driveline 150 may be selectively operable with hand crank 70 and motor 80 to rotate spool 130 according to different ratios, allowing for different ratios of rotational speed between: (i) crank 70 and spool 130; and (ii) motor 80 and spool 130. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10A-C, driveline 150 may comprise: an outer driveshaft 151; an inner driveshaft 156; a transfer plate 161; and an operating gear 162. Exemplary aspects are now described.

Similar to above, different ratios may be realized with transfer plate 161 and operating gear 162. For example, each of plate 161 and gear 162 may have a respective center opening 161O or 162O; and the different ratios may be realized by engaging a portion of inner driveshaft 156 with each center opening 161O and 162O. In this example, transfer plate 161 may be operable with hand crank 70 at the manual ratio when line retrieval apparatus 110 is in a manual mode, operating gear 162 may be operable with motor 80 at the motor ratio when apparatus 110 is in a motor mode, and selector 60 (e.g., FIGS. 1 and 5A-B) may be operable to shift between the respective manual and motor modes.

Each center opening 161O and 162O of plate 161 and gear 162 may likewise have an X shape similar to that of FIG. 3C. Outer driveshaft 151 may be similar to outer driveshaft 51 of FIG. 3A, but without first longitudinal groove 53A. For example, outer driveshaft 151 of FIGS. 10A-C similarly comprises: a longitudinal groove 153 similar to groove 53B of outer driveshaft 51, and a longitudinal bore 154 similar to bore 54 of driveshaft 51.

An exemplary inner driveshaft 156 is depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10A-C. As before, inner driveshaft 156 may be moved inside of longitudinal bore 154 of outer driveshaft 151 along an axis of rotation X-X to shift apparatus 110. As shown in FIG. 9, inner driveshaft 156 may include a longitudinal groove 158 and a force transfer element 159 extending through groove 158. The ends of force transfer element 159 may extend beyond longitudinal groove 153 of outer driveshaft 151 for selective engagement with the X shape (e.g., FIG. 3C) of center openings 161O and/or 162O. Force transfer element 159 may be mounted in groove 158 of inner driveshaft 156 by any means. For example, force transfer element 159 may be made from a metallic material that is welded to and/or integral with driveshaft 156; or a non-metallic material attached to driveshaft 156. Force transfer element 159 may comprise any shape engageable with the X-shape of openings 161O and/or 162O. For example, force transfer element 159 of FIG. 9 comprises a rectangular shape with curved edges that help to minimize the kickback forces when engaging openings 161O and/or 162O.

Spool 130 may be rotationally mounted in apparatus 110 on outer driveshaft 151. As shown in FIGS. 10A-C, spool 130 may comprise a first flange 132A, a second flange 132B, and a spool hub 134 extending therebetween. In this example, spool hub 134 may be rotationally mounted on outer driveshaft 151 by a first bearing 133A and a second bearing 133B so that a rotational force (“RF”) applied to spool 130 by driveline 150 causes spool 130 to rotate about axis of rotation X-X independently of driveshaft 151. Force transfer element 159 may be configured to apply the RF. As shown in FIGS. 10A-C, for example, transfer plate 161 may be mounted to (e.g., bolted) second flange 132B, selector 60 may be operable to shift apparatus 110 between the manual and motor modes, and the RF may be applied to second flange 132B by transfer plate 161 and force transfer element 159 in either mode.

Aspects of the methods described above with reference to apparatus 10 may likewise be performed with apparatus 110. As shown in FIGS. 10A-C, for example, an exemplary method may comprise shifting apparatus 110 between: the manual mode (e.g., FIG. 10A), wherein inner driveshaft 156 is engaged with spool 130 and hand crank 70; the motor mode (e.g., FIG. 10B), wherein driveshaft 156 is engaged with spool 130 and motor 80; and a neutral mode (e.g., FIG. 10C), wherein driveshaft 156 is disengaged from spool 130, hand crank 70, and motor 80.

As before, selector 60 may be operable to shift apparatus 110 between each mode by moving inner driveshaft 156 relative to outer driveshaft 151. For example, much like FIG. 1, selector 60 may be similarly movable in a first direction D₁ to shift apparatus 110 between each mode and a second direction D₂ to activate brake 40, allowing for single handed operation of apparatus 110.

In the manual mode, driveline 150 may be operable with hand crank 70 to rotate spool 130 according to the manual ratio between spool 130 and crank 70 by engaging force transfer element 159 with transfer plate 161. As shown in FIGS. 10A-C, for example, longitudinal groove 153 of outer driveshaft 151 may extend along axis X-X from an interior portion 135 of spool hub 134, through transfer plate 161, through operating gear 162, and beyond gear 162 to define a neutral space N. In this example, inner driveshaft 156 may be moved along axis X-X by operation of selector 60 to advance force transfer element 159 within longitudinal groove 153 until force transfer element 159 enters the X shape (e.g., FIG. 3C) of center opening 161O.

As shown in FIG. 10A, a first portion 159A of force transfer element 159 may reside within interior portion 135 of spool hub 134 when a second portion 159B of force transfer element 159 resides within center opening 161O. For example, interior portion 135 may have a circular cross-section (i.e., without the X shape) so that first portion 159A of force transfer element 159 may spin freely therein. Accordingly, the RF may be generated by hand crank 70, and then transferred: (i) to outer driveshaft 151 with mount 74; (ii) to force transfer element 159 with driveshaft 151; (iii) to transfer plate 161 with second portion 159B force transfer element 159; and, ultimately (iv) to spool 130 with transfer plate 161 mounted thereto. Because transfer plate 161 is mounted to spool 130, the manual ratio may be approximately 1:1, so that one turn of crank 70 equals one turn of spool 130 in the manual mode.

In the motor mode, driveline 150 may be operable with motor 80 to rotate spool 130 according to the motor ratio (or motor gear ratio) between spool 130 and output shaft 82 of motor 80 (e.g., FIGS. 2 and 8) by engaging force transfer element 159 with transfer plate 161 and operational gear 162. As shown in FIG. 10B, inner driveshaft 156 may be moved further along axis X-X by operation of selector 60 to advance force transfer element 159 within longitudinal groove 153 until second portion 159B of force transfer element 159 exits the X shape of center opening 161O and enters the X shape of center opening 162O. As shown in FIG. 10B, first portion 159A of force transfer element 159 may reside within opening 161O when second portion 159B of force transfer element 159 resides within opening 162O, causing plate 161 and gear 162 to rotate together. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10B, the RF may be similarly generated by output shaft 82 of motor 80, and then transferred: (i) to transfer gear assembly 84 with drive gear 83; (ii) to operating gear 162 with transfer gear 84D; (iii) to second portion 159B of element 159 with gear 162; (iv) to transfer plate 161 with first portion 159A of force transfer element 159; and, ultimately (v) to spool 130 with plate 161 mounted thereto.

Because of transfer gear assembly 84, the motor ratio of apparatus 110 may be different than the manual ratio of apparatus 110 (i.e., different than approximately 1:1).

As shown in FIG. 11, transfer gear assembly 84 may similarly comprise a plurality of gears operable to transfer the RF from drive gear 83 to operating gear 162. For example, as shown: drive gear 83 may be attached to an end of output shaft 82, and engaged with first transfer gear 84A; second transfer gear 84B may be rotatable together with the first transfer gear 84A in a stacked configuration; third transfer gear 84C may be engaged with second transfer gear 84B, and rotatable together with the fourth transfer gear 84D in a stacked configuration; and fourth transfer gear 84D may be engaged with operating gear 162. As before, gear 83 may include 18 teeth, gear 84A may include 36 teeth, gear 84B may include 18 teeth, gear 84C may include 72 teeth, gear 84D may include 27 teeth, and gear 162 (e.g., similar to third operating gear 63 of FIG. 8) may include 72 teeth, making the motor ratio approximately 21:1 (e.g., again calculated as the product of 36/18 multiplied by 72/18 multiplied by 72/27), so that every approximately 21 (or 21.33) turns of output shaft 82 again equals one turn of operating gear 162.

In the neutral mode, driveline 150 of apparatus 110 may be similarly disengaged from hand crank 70 and motor 80, allowing spool 130 rotate freely about axis X-X and/or interact with other elements of apparatus 110. As shown in FIG. 10C, inner driveshaft 151 may be moved further still along axis X-X by operation of selector 60 to advance force transfer element 159 within longitudinal groove 153 until: (i) first portion 159A of force transfer element 159 exits center opening 161O of transfer plate 161 and enters center opening 162O of gear 162; and (ii) second portion 159B of force transfer element 159 exits center opening 162O of gear 162 and enters neutral space N. At this point, force transfer element 159 and operating gear 162 may spin freely from transfer plate 161, thereby disengaging spool 130 from hand crank 70 and motor 80 in the neutral mode. If first portion 159A of force transfer element 159 remains in center opening 161O, as shown in FIG. 10C, then driveshafts 151 and 156 and potentially crank 70 (e.g., if attached to apparatus 10) may still rotate with motor 80. Therefore, as also shown in FIG. 10C, driveshaft 151 may be moved even further still along axis X-X by operation of selector 60 until first portion 159A of force transfer element 159 also exits center opening 162O, locating the entirety of force transfer element 159 in neutral space N, and completely disengaging driveshafts 151 and 156 from motor 80 to prevent crank 70 from rotating in the neutral mode.

As described above, line retrieval apparatus 110 may be operable to rotate spool 130 according to at least two different ratios; namely: (i) the manual ratio of the manual mode (e.g., FIG. 10A); and (ii) the motor ratio of motor mode (e.g., FIG. 10B). Combinations of apparatus 10 and 110 also are contemplated, such that apparatus 110 also may comprise a plurality of manual and/or motor ratios, such as the first and second manual ratios described above. As before, each ratio also may be described as a different ratio of rotational speed between: (i) crank 70 and spool 130; (ii) and motor 80 and spool 130. For example, line retrieval apparatus 110 (like apparatus 10) also may alternatively comprise a gearless transmission (e.g., a continuously variable transmission or elbow mechanism) operable to rotate spool 130 according to at least two different ratios of rotational speed corresponding to manual and motor modes.

Exemplary gear configurations for line retrieval apparatus 10 and 110 have been described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 11. These configurations may be further modified or even replaced without departing from this disclosure. For example, a person of ordinary skill in art may modify either gear configuration to realize different manual or motor ratios, and selector 60 may be similarly movable in first direction D₁ (e.g., FIG. 1) to shift between different manual or motor modes associated therewith and second direction D₂ to activate brake 40.

While principles of the present disclosure are disclosed herein with reference to illustrative aspects for particular applications, the disclosure is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, aspects, and substitution of equivalents all fall in the scope of the aspects disclosed herein. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to be considered as limited by the foregoing description. 

1.-50. (canceled)
 51. A line retrieval apparatus comprising: a motor comprising an output shaft; a hand crank; a spool; a driveshaft; and a selector operable to shift the apparatus between, at least: a manual mode, in which the driveshaft is engaged with the spool and the hand crank such that rotation of the hand crank causes rotation of the spool; and a motor mode, in which the driveshaft is engaged with the spool and the output shaft of the motor such that rotation of the output shaft causes rotation of the spool.
 52. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the selector is further operable to shift the apparatus into a neutral mode, in which the driveshaft is disengaged from the output shaft and the hand crank, and the spool is rotatable independently from the output shaft and the hand crank.
 53. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the driveshaft is rotatable about an axis of rotation, and the selector is operable to move the driveshaft along the axis of rotation when shifting between the manual mode and the motor mode.
 54. The apparatus of claim 51, further comprising a brake operable to impede rotation of the spool.
 55. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the selector is operable to operate the brake.
 56. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein: the selector is movable in a first direction to shift the apparatus, and a second direction to operate the brake; and the second direction is different from the first direction.
 57. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein: the manual mode comprises: a first manual mode, in which the driveshaft is operable with the hand crank to rotate the spool according to a first manual ratio of rotational speeds of the spool and the hand crank; and a second manual mode, in which the driveshaft is operable with the hand crank to rotate the spool according to a second manual ratio of rotational speeds of the spool and the hand crank; and the first manual ratio is different from the second manual ratio.
 58. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein, in the motor mode, the driveshaft is operable with the motor to rotate the spool according to a motor ratio of rotational speeds of the spool and the output shaft.
 59. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein: in the motor mode, the driveshaft is operable with the motor to rotate the spool according to a motor ratio of rotational speeds of the spool and the output shaft; and the motor ratio is different from the first and second manual ratios.
 60. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the hand crank is removably mountable to a portion of the apparatus.
 61. The apparatus of claim 51, further comprising a controller operable to modify a performance of the motor.
 62. The apparatus of claim 61, further comprising at least one sensor configured to determine at least one operating characteristic of the apparatus.
 63. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the controller is operable with the at least one sensor to modify the performance of the motor in response to one or more of the at least one operating characteristic.
 64. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the at least one operating characteristic comprises a load on a line on the spool.
 65. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the at least one operating characteristic comprises a length of line that is unwound from the spool.
 66. A method of operating a line retrieval apparatus, the method comprising: operating a selector to shift the apparatus between, at least: a manual mode, in which a driveshaft is engaged with a spool and a hand crank such that rotation of the hand crank causes rotation of the spool; and a motor mode, in which the driveshaft is engaged with the spool and an output shaft of a motor such that rotation of the output shaft causes rotation of the spool.
 67. The method of claim 66, wherein the driveshaft rotates about an axis of rotation, and operating the selector comprises moving the driveshaft along the axis of rotation to shift the apparatus between the manual mode and the motor mode.
 68. The method of claim 66, further comprising operating the selector to impede rotation of the spool.
 69. The method of claim 68, wherein: operating the selector comprises moving the selector in a first direction to shift the apparatus and a second direction to impede rotation of the spool; and the second direction is different from the first direction.
 70. A line retrieval apparatus comprising: a motor comprising an output shaft; a hand crank; a means for winding a line; and a means for shifting the apparatus between, at least: a manual mode, in which the means for winding is engaged with the hand crank such that rotation of the hand crank causes the means for winding to wind the line; and a motor mode, in which the means for winding is engaged with the output shaft of the motor such that rotation of the output shaft causes the means for winding to wind the line. 